34 TEA PLANTING IN 



residence in the plains of India (notwithstanding occa- 

 sional exceptions) undoubtedly occasions, in spite of the 

 various means that opulence and ingenuity can devise 

 these facts are sufficient to prove that to many 

 an occupation will be supplied by tea planting, the 

 prospects of which, if equalled by some others, are at 

 any rate scarcely to be excelled. For skilled workmen, 

 and especially mechanics, there is a good prospect of 

 success in India, but not a greater one than the colonies 

 would afford. That the various planters find a want 

 of good overseers, is a fact, and with the growth of the 

 various lucrative enterprises that practical agriculturists 

 have it in their power to pursue, this demand will 

 increase, but not on such an extensive scale, as to 

 materially affect the class by whom these situations 

 would be filled. 



Numbers eligible for the latter employments are 

 already to be found in India in the ranks of the army, 

 who, on completing their term of service, usually make 

 for England. 



Inured to war, and yet conversant with peaceful 

 callings, these men, if receiving inducements to settle 

 on waste lands, would greatly improve and strengthen 

 the country, and might, by forming a species of "land- 

 wehr," even tend to reduce the number of English 

 regiments now required there. 



Instances are not wanting in which such men have 

 attained considerable success, the fruit of that steadi- 

 ness and perseverance which in India are especially 

 required. 



